Nokia’s mapping ‘could see people switch’

Nokia’s decision to offer free high-end mapping and navigation to its customers could see many consumers switching to the manufacturer’s handsets rather than purchasing a smartphone, it has been suggested.

The new version of Ovi Maps will include car and pedestrian navigation features and turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries.

Mobile recycling could prove to be an option for consumers who wish to upgrade to a new handset and begin to use the service.

Natasha Stokes, editor of Mobile Choice, said that for bundling apps to become more common "it would have to be a fairly special case like this – Nokia has a reputation in mobile satnav already and it owns Ovi Maps".

She added that the move is a demonstration of the mobile manufacturer’s desire to have a greater presence in the mobile services market.

Research firm Canalys found the number of people worldwide using GPS navigation on their mobile phones was around 27 million at the end of 2009.